Portsmouth's Collins to head up NHIAA

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth High School Principal Jeffrey Collins has a new job. Come July 1, he will be the new executive director of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA).

Collins will be replacing R. Patrick Corbin, who announced his resignation last November.

“It was a number of things,” said Collins about leaving Portsmouth after his eighth year on the job. “It was family and it was personal. It was a good move for me. I love what I do at Portsmouth High School. It's a wonderful place. But to me, I'm a product of what the NHIAA is selling. Athletics have been essential in my life. Playing sports essential to where I am today. It's always been important to me. A life lesson imparted to me and shaped who I am.”

Corbin has been the executive director for eight-plus years and will finish out his term in June. Collins will step in July 1.

Collins, 44, grew up in New Jersey, and later attended the University of New Hampshire. He played football for the Wildcats and graduated from there in 1992. He lives in Exeter with his wife, Amy, and their two children.

“The opportunity presented itself and I pursued it,” Collins said. “To me, I love the direction in which it's going. There are life-of-the-athlete programs, leadership, and the creation of sports that allow more kids to compete and represent their high schools. Those are things I'll continue to focus on.”

Collins said he would like to continue to focus on the NHIAA's financial stability. “That will allow us to do other things,” he said. “It's what it's about. I have some things in the back of my mind, but it's Pat's (job) until July.”

Corbin, 66, a former high school principal in Salem and Nashua, has been at the helm of NHIAA since 2006.

“I'll work with (Corbin) to get up to speed,” Collins said. “I'm excited for the opportunity. Portsmouth High School is a great spot. I will focus to end the school year on a good note and help move the seniors on.”

According to the NHIAA job position advertisement, the post pays a minimum of $100,000 commensurate with experience. Collins made nearly $106,000 last year as a principal, according to the Portsmouth Herald.